Anthropology option

Art option

Dance option

English Language and Linguistics option

English Literature option

Human Development option

Integrated option

Mathematics option

Physical Education option

Spanish option

Theatre Arts option

Kim Trimble, Program Coordinator

Dexter Bryan (Sociology), Michael Ernst (Physical Education), Sally Etcheto (Music), Jim Hill (Physics), Maria Hurtado-Ortiz (Psychology), John McGowan (Teacher Education), Susan Needham (Anthropology), Stan Yoshinobu (Mathematics)

Nancy Maruyama, Program Advisor

Program Office:  (310) 243-3832

Email address:  pals@csudh.edu

The Liberal Studies Program provides an interdisciplinary major designed for students planning to become elementary school teachers.

Admission to the Liberal Studies major will require the completion of all lower division General Education and lower division Liberal Studies course requirements with a 2.5 cumulative G.P.A. All new majors are classified as “pre-Liberal Studies” until they have met the requirements listed above.  Designated upper division courses used in the Liberal Studies major will be open for enrollment to Liberal Studies “majors” only.  Exceptions will only be considered  on an individual petition basis.  (A petition form must be obtained directly from the Liberal Studies PALS Center, SCC 540).

A total of 35 units in this major may be completed at the community college level.  At many of the community colleges, 34 of the 35 units will also double count to fulfill General Education requirements in order to transfer to CSU Dominguez Hills.  (Access ASSIST.com-Liberal Studies Major)

Students completing Liberal Studies should see an advisor each semester.  Advising is available throughout the semester.  Students requiring information should email pals@csudh.edu or call (310) 243-3832 to confirm advising schedules.  All pre-majors and majors on academic probation are required to schedule an appointment to speak with a Liberal Studies advisor before the advising hold (AH) will be lifted for course registration.  In addition to program and professional advising, advisors may refer students to other university services on campus.

All newly admitted Liberal Studies pre-majors (or current CSUDH students changing their majors) must attend a Liberal Studies advising meeting. The meeting includes:  completion of documentation to create students' files, how to register for courses, important university policies to be aware of, community college transferrable work, and an overview of the requirements to earn a B.A. in Liberal Studies.

The Liberal Studies Program is the prefered undergraduate major for students preparing for the Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, required to teach at the elementary school level.

Undergraduate majors are eligible for graduation with honors in Liberal Studies if the meet the following criteria: 

1.   Complete a minimum of 36 units in residence at CSU Dominguez Hills.

2.   Maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.5 in all upper division coursework (300 and 400 level) used to satisfy the requirements for the Liberal Studies major (Core and Option). 

3.   Complete the Honors in the Major application received from the PALS center. Students who believe they may meet the above requirements, but did not receive the information, may request an application from the PALS Center located at SCC 540.

The major consists of two parts:

A.  CORE Course Requirements.  Students will take specific courses in each of five areas:  Language and Literature;  Mathematics and Science;  History and Social Sciences;  Visual and Performing Arts; and Professional Development.  These specific courses provide our students with the subject matter knowledge to meet the course content standards required by the Callifornia Commission on Teacher Credentialing.  These courses provide the most appropriate preparation for passing the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET) which is required for admission to a teacher credentialing program.

B.  OPTION Course Requirements.  Students complete an in-depth study of a selected subject area within the major and may choose any option listed in the "Options" section. A special option consisting of at least 4 courses and a minimum of 12 units, in a relevant subject matter area, may be petitioned by the student for consideration.

See the "Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree" in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements.  A minimum of 40 units, including those required for the major, must be upper division. 

Completion of elective courses (beyond the requirements listed below) to reach a total of a minimum of 120 units.

See the "General Education" requirements in the University Catalog or the Class Schedule for the most current information on General Education requirements and course offerings.

See the "Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement" in the University Catalog.

Single field major, no minor required.

Students must select one of the options listed.  The following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, are required of all candidates for this degree.

All courses in this major must be passed with a grade of “C” or better.

A.  AREA I - Language and Literature (21-22 units)

ANT 312.         Language and Culture (3)# or

ENG 310.        The Study of Language (3) or

SPA 435.         A Sociolinguistic Approach to Mexican American Dialect (3)#

ENG 111. Freshman Composition II (3)

ENG 305. Critical Reading of Literature (3)#

ENG 308. Critical Approaches to Children’s Literature (3)

ENG 314. English Syntax—Traditional (3)

ENG 350. Advanced Composition (3) or

IDS 397. Writing Adjunct (2) and

IDS 398. Writing Adjunct (2)

ENG 487.  Introduction to Second language Teaching and Learning (3)#

B.  AREA II - Mathematics and Science (17-19 units)

BIO 102.   General Biology (3)

BIO 103.   General Biology Laboratory (1)

MAT 107.        Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers: 
Real Numbers (3)#

MAT 207.        Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers: Geometry (3)

PHY 300.  Physical Science for Teachers (4)

SMT 416. Earth Science for Teachers (3)

NOTES: 

1.   Majors accepted into the Integrated option take LBS 380 (4 units) instead of an SMT 416 (3 units) and take LBS 360 (4 units) instead of MAT 107 (3 units).

2.   Freshmen students may use PHY 300 to satisfy Area B-1, General Education Program requirement after satisfying all prerequisites for the course.

C.  AREA III - History and Social Science (18-20 units)

HIS 101.   History of the United States (3)#

GEO 350.  World Regional Geography (3)

HIS 120.   World Civilizations I (3) or

ANT 102. Ancient Civilizations (3)

HIS 301.   Individual, Family and Community in Historical Perspective (3)

HIS 341.   California History (3) or

GEO 359.        California Geography (3) or

POL 312. State and Local Government (3)

SBS 318.   Cultural Pluralism (3)

NOTE:  Majors accepted into the Integrated option take LBS 370   (5 units) instead of SBS 318 (3 units).

D.  AREA IV - Visual and Performing Arts (15 units)

ART 100. Looking at Art (3) or

ART 101. Experiencing Creative Art (3) or

ART 110. Introduction to World Art I (3)# or

ART 111. Introduction to World Art II (3)#

DAN 130. Dance Perceptions (3) or

MUS 101. Introducing Music (3) or

MUS 110. Music Fundamentals (3)

HUM 310. Key Concepts (3) or

HUM 312. Key Movements (3) or

HUM 314. Key Issues (3)

Select one of the following four pairs of courses (6 units):

1.   ART 301.   Arts and Crafts for the Non-Major (3) and

DAN 440. Dance for Children (3)# or

KIN 447.   Dance Education in Elementary School (3) or

MUS 340.                 Music for Children (3) or

MUS 440.                 Introduction to Orff Schulwerk (3)

2.   DAN 440.   Dance for Children (3) or

KIN 447.   Dance Education in Elementary School (3) and

ART 301.  Arts and Crafts for the Non-Major or

THE 337. Creative Dramatics (3) or

THE 374.  Directing and Stage Management (3)

3.   MUS 340.   Music for Children (3) or

MUS 440.                 Introduction to Orff Schulwerk (3) and

ART 301.  Arts and Crafts for the Non-Major or

THE 337. Creative Dramatics (3) or

THE 374.  Directing and Stage Management (3)

4.   THE 337.    Creative Dramatics (3)# or

THE 374.  Directing and Stage Management (3) and

DAN 440. Dance for Children (3) or

KIN 447.   Dance Education in Elementary School (3) or

MUS 340.                 Music for Children (3) or

MUS 440.                 Introduction to Orff Schulwerk (3)

E.   AREA V - Professional Development (11-22 units)

LBS 200.   Introduction to Liberal Studies (1)

LBS 300.   Early Fieldwork Experience (2)

LBS 400.   Senior Seminar in Liberal Studies (3)

KIN 425.   Physical Education in the Elementary School (3)#

PSY 350.   Child Psychology (3)#

NOTE:  Majors accepted into the Integrated option also compted TED coursework required to earn the Multiple Subject Teaching Credential before graduation.  

One course (3 units) from the core requirements may "double count" for any option (with the exception of a special option which requires 12 units).  These courses are marked with a (#) in each option area.  To construct a "special" option, students are required to  complete and submit a Liberal Studies Petition along with a proposal specifying courses (course descriptions required) and a brief statement explaining the request to substitute a special option.  A decision to approve or deny will be made by the Coordinator of the Liberal Studies Program. 

The Integrated option integrates Liberal Studies subject matter with Teacher Education methods.  Majors accepted into the Blended option are also accepted into the Teacher Education credentialling program. 

Anthropology Option  (9-12 units)

1.   Ethnology:  select one of the following courses (3 units):

ANT 310.  Culture and Personality: Psychological           Anthropology (3)

ANT 312. Language and Culture (3) #

ANT 315.  Magic & Religion (3)

ANT 388. Anthropological Theories of Behavior (3)

ANT 389.  Transmission of Culture (3)

2.   Ethnography:  select one of the following courses­ (3 units):

ANT 330.  North American Indians (3)

ANT 335.  Comparative Cultures (3)

ANT 341.  Folklore (3)

ANT 370.  Peoples of the Old World (3)

3.   Ancient Civilizations and Prehistory:  select one of the following courses (3 units):

ANT 333.  Ancient Peoples of Mexico and Guatemala (3)

ANT 350.  Prehistory of Africa and Eurasia (3)

ANT 351.  Prehistory of the Americas (3)

4.   Research Methods:  select one of the following courses (3 units):

ANT 313.  Methods & Techniques of Archaeology (3)

ANT 375.  Ethnographic Methods and Techniques (3)

Art Option  (9-12 units)

1.   Required course:  Select one of the following (3 units):                 

ART 110.  Introduction to World Art I (3) #

ART 111.  Introduction to World Art II (3) #

2.   Select three of the following courses (9 units):

ART 150.  Ceramics I (3)

ART 179.  Drawing I (3)

ART 180.  Painting I (3)

ART 190.  Sculpture I (3)

Integrated Option (accelerated program to earn a B.A. degree and teaching credential concurrently)

Application to the self-paced Integrated Option is open to all students who verify that they have (1) passed all three sections of the CBEST, (2) have been granted their Certificate of Clearance for the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, and (3) currently have, and will maintain, a minimum G.P.A. of 2.67.  Students interested in participating in this program are encouraged to send an email to Dr. John McGowan, Coordinator of the Integrated Option Program, at jmcgowan@csudh.edu or leave a voice message at (310) 243-3911.

NOTE:  The Integrated Option is restricted to students accepted into the Program.  For more information call (310) 243-3832.

Dance Option  (9-12 units)

DAN 210. Ballet I (2)

DAN 220. Modern Dance I (2)

DAN 330. Beginning Choreography I (2)

DAN 355. History of Dance (3)

DAN 440  Dance for Children (3) #

English Language and Linguistics Option (9-12 units)

ENG 317.  Sociolinguistics:  Black English (3)

ENG 351.  Composition for Elementary School Teachers (3)

ENG 414.  American English (3)

ENG 487.  Introduction to Second Language Learning and Teaching (3) #

English Literature Option (9-12 units)

ENG 305.  Critical Reading of Literature (3) #

ENG 306.  Backgrounds of Western Literature (3)

ENG 325.  Poetry (3)

ENG 341.  American Literature:  1865-Present (3)

Human Development Option (9-12 units)

PSY 350.   Child Psychology (3) #

PSY 351.   Psychology of Adolescent Experience (3) [I} or

PSY 382.  Psychological Development of the Black Child (3)

SOC 322.  Social Environment of Education (3)

SOC 369.  Juvenile Delinquency (3) or

SOC 321. Sociology of Education (3) or

BIO 380.  Biology of Childhood and Adolescence (3)

Mathematics Option  (10-13 units)

1.   Required courses (7 units):

MAT 107. Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers:  Real Numbers (3) #

MAT 153. College Algebra and Trigonometry (4)

2.   Select two courses from the following (6 units):

MAT 131. Elementary Statistics and Probability (3)

MAT 141. Computers for the Mathematics Teaching (3)

MAT 143. Problem Solving in Mathematics (3)

Note:  MAT 171 or any mathematics course used to complete the mathematics major, such as MAT 191 or MAT 193, may be substituted for any of the courses above.

Physical Education Option  (9-12 units)

1.   Required upper division courses (8 units):

KIN 305.    Motor Learning (3)

KIN 425.    Physical Education in the Elementary              School (3) #

KIN 426.    Directed Teaching in Elementary Physical Education (2)

2.   Select two (2) courses from the following (2 units):

KIN 111.    Aerobics (1)

KIN 113.    Social and Folk Dance  (1)

KIN 132.    Gymnastics (1)

3.   Select two (2) courses from the following (2 units):

KIN 118.    Basketball (1)

KIN 150.    Soccer (1)

KIN 152.    Softball (1)            

KIN 164.    Volleyball (1)

Spanish Option (12 units)

SPA 305.  Advanced Composition, Syntax and Stylistics (3)

SPA 311.  The Structure of Spanish (3)

SPA 341.  Advanced Conversation (3)

SPA 435.  A Sociolinguistic Approach to Mexican American Dialect (3) #

NOTE: Prerequisits may be required.  Students who have completed some high school or community college Spanish and who pass a proficiency test will be placed in the appropriate semester of college Spanish.  Consult the Foreign Languages department advisor for details.

Theatre Arts Option (12 units)

1.   Required Upper Division Courses (9 units)

THE 320.   Speech Skills and Techniques (3)

THE 337.   Creative Dramatics (3)

THE 374.   Stage Directing (3)

2.   Elective Courses (minimum of 3 units required)

THE 243.   Stagecraft (3)

THE 346.   Theatre Workship (1, 2)

THE 355.   World Theatre I (3)

THE 357.   World Theatre II (3)

The credit value for each course in semester units is indicated for each term by a number in parentheses following the title.  For course availability, please see the list of tentative course offerings in the current Class Schedule.

LBS 010    CBEST Preparation in Reading (1).

Specifically designed to assist participants in developing skills and knowledge necessary for passing the reading section of the CBEST (California Basic Educational Skills Test).  Upon successful completion of the course, the participant will demonstrate ability in the reading areas to be tested as outlined in the CBEST Registration Bulletin.  CR/NC grading.

LBS 020    CBEST Preparation in Writing (1).

Specifically designed to assist participants in developing skills and knowledge necessary for passing the writing section of the CBEST (California Basic Educational Skills Test).  Upon successful completion of the course, the participant will demonstrate ability in the writing areas to be tested as outlined in the CBEST Registration Bulletin.  CR/NC grading.

LBS 030    CBEST Preparation in  Math (1).

Specifically designed to assist participants in developing skills and knowledge necessary for passing the mathematics section of the CBEST (California Basic Educational Skills Test).  Upon successful completion of the course, the participant will demonstrate ability in the mathematical areas to be tested as outlined in the CBEST Registration Bulletin.  CR/NC grading.

LBS 200    Introduction to Liberal Studies (1).

Prerequisite:  CBEST exam is highly recommended

Introduction to the Liberal Studies major and to the teaching profession.  Study of  California K-8 Content Standards, orientation to campus services, and beginning electronic portfolio entries for subject matter assessment.  Computer technology for future teachers will be introduced and examined, with practical applications including email, databases, web searches, and electronic portfolios. This course requires five hours of observation and participation in K-6 public school classrooms. CR/NC grading.

LBS 300    Early Fieldwork Experience (2).

Prerequisite:  LBS 200.  California Commission on Teacher Credentialing Certificate of Clearance, current negative TB documentation and scores for all three sections of the CBEST.

Provides Liberal Studies majors with planned, structured field experiences in classrooms at the elementary school level (K-6).  A minimum of 30 hours of structured, documented observation/participation in public elementary schools (K-6) is required. CR/NC grading.

LBS 360    Blended Math Methods:  Math Content  and Pedagogy (4).

Prerequisite:  Admittance to the Integrated Option  Program.

Designed to develop students' mathematical content knowledge and pedagogical skills necessary for the effective teaching of elementary mathematics in the urban classroom.

LBS 370    Multicultural Studies:  Teaching in a Diverse Society (5).

Prerequisite:  Admittance to the Integrated Option Program.

Introduces students to the challenges of teaching in urban schools.  Topics include multiculturalism, social scientific theory, and educational research regarding the schooling of ethnic and language minority students.

LBS 380    Blended Science Methods:  Science Content and Pedagogy (4). 

Prerequisite:  Admittance to the Integrated Option  Program.

Designed to devlop students' science content knowledge and pedagogical skills necessary for the effective teaching of elementary science in the urban classroom. 

LBS 400    Senior Seminar in Liberal Studies (3).

Prerequisite:  LBS 300.

Provides a culmination of the Liberal Studies experience and an introduction to the Teacher Education Credential Program.  Requirements include 15 hours of observation and participation in urban, multilingual and multicultural school settings and includes students with disabilities.  Course topics include credential program overview, introduction to Teacher Performance Expectations, Teacher Performance Assessment systems and electronic portfolio, the California Content Standards, lesson planning, and the professional, legal, and ethical responsibilities of teachers.  The course includes 10 hourse of observation and participation in K-6 public school classrooms.

LBS 401    Multiple Subject Matter Equivalency Evaluation Class (1).

Prerequisite:  Approval of Program Director.

Fulfills the subject matter assessment requirement of the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing for students completing the Multiple Subject Matter Equivalency Program.  Includes assessment of subject matter knowledge and review of the current state curriculum standards for K-8 instruction. CR/NC grading.